Saturday’s 1-0 win by Malawi against Namibia has just complicated matters for Harambee Stars in group ‘F’ of the World Cup qualifier.
Malawi upset Namibia courtesy of a 69th minute goal scored by Frank Mhango after the first half ended in a barren draw.
The win pushes Malawi to the top of the group with five points same as Nigeria while Namibia follow on three points. Stars are last with two points.
But the situation would have been different had Stars stopped Nigeria as they would be at least enjoying second place and with three matches remaining, their chances of making it to Brazil next year would have been enhanced.
Kenya next play Nigeria in June in Nairobi and victory at home may just raise their hopes. After clashing with the Super Eagles at home, Stars will then travel to Lilongwe to take on Malawi and then complete their World Cup fixtures against Namibia in Nairobi.
One thing however, that the Stars will be proud of is ending their losing streak to Nigeria. Future matches between the two teams will never be the same again and can be expected to go either way.
Elsewhere, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) chairman Sam Nyamweya insists Harambee Stars can still make it to the World Cup despite conceding a late against Nigeria on Saturday.
The Stars lead for most of the match after Francis Kahata had scored from the free kick in the 36th minute but a late goal by Oduamadi Nnamdi’s late strike ensured Nigeria got at least a point from the match.
Nyamweya complained about poor officiating in Saturday’s fixture and took issue with the added time.
“There was nothing to warrant additional five minutes in the game. We were clearly robbed of victory,” he said.
Nyamweya pleaded with local fans not to give up after the result insisting there is still a chance for the team to do better in future matches.
He asked for support from all stakeholders to encourage the team and the players to do better in their up-coming matches.
“This team does not belong to FKF alone. It is a team for all Kenyans and we must rally behind our boys to ensure we pick positive results in up-coming fixtures,” he added.
Nyamweya said this even as various politicians including President elect Uhuru Kenyatta and Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko pledged cash awards to the team.
Kenyatta and Sonko each pledged Sh1million to the team. Stars are expected in Nairobi this evening.
Source:standardmedia.co.ke
